Making the Diagnosis
An obviously depressed mood is the main sign of dysthymia, with intermittent
wellness lasting for short periods, only days or weeks. For a diagnosis
of dysthymia, a depressed mood and two of the above noted signs must have been
present for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents), with
symptoms severe enough to impair a person's ability to function normally from
day to day. During those two years, there will have been no major depressive
episodes, though there might have been a bout with major depression in the past
that has since resolved. A doctor will also want to confirm that symptoms aren't
a result of substance abuse or due to other medical conditions such as thyroid
problems or anemia.
Recognizing and diagnosing dysthymia isn't always simple, and misdiagnosis
is a possibility. People with the condition may not think of themselves
as depressed, and often visit doctors with physical rather than psychological
complaints. Mental health professionals aren't always consulted until more obvious
symptoms are noticed. When dysthymia goes undiagnosed, there's a danger that
it can lead to substance abuse or even suicide.
The longer it takes to diagnose it and get treatment underway, the slower the
recovery period will be.